Ms Duncan, who had been ill for some time, was a pioneering philanthropist; in 1989, she helped to set up the Bone Marrow Donor Institute, which, today, provides access to 10 million potential donors around the world.

She also established the Red Ball, a charity fundraiser which helps to raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation, and, in 2014, was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Our thoughts are with Ms Duncan's family and friends during this difficult time.